The first exhibition, titled ‘Reflections’ is set to open on March 20 and will showcase the work of artists, sculptors and photographers.

This exhibition will be followed by ‘Elements’ on May 1.

Both events will take place at Southport’s Ramada plaza.

Organisers are now keen to hear from visual artists, photographers and film-makers from across Sefton, and beyond, who wish to be invovled.

The project’s founder and leader, Tony Wynne, said to Visiter.co.uk: “The Waterfront arts project is not like many other galleries in that it has no commercial element whatsoever. It principally was founded on clear educational, community and philanthropic bases.

“It’s a home for the nurturing and development of the fine arts in Southport”

“It is a fact that about 70% of our visitors were from outside Southport. That’s quite a lot of footfall walking up Nevill Street to the waterfront plaza to see our exhibitions

“Now we are back we aim to continue to promote Southport as a cultural venue and to contribute to Southport’s independent tourism offer”

The Waterfront Arts Project has been a major contributor to Southport’s cultural development since it was founded in 2010.

Its themed exhibitions have attracted over 60,000 visitors over five years, including many people from outside Southport.

The project originally occupied the casino block, and The Waterfront pub, when its vast art spaces became the largest ‘pop up’ gallery in Europe.

Tony added: “We opened up a dialogue with Sefton council and subsequently were pleased to be invited to co-host a seminar at the Ramada Hotel in November 2010 with Sefton’s tourism department.

“At that meeting it was decided to establish a Southport Arts Festival. A team soon developed from that meeting and we worked alongside super people such as Suzy Walker and actor David Lonsdale. One of our highlights was to bring Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy to Wayfarers Arcade in 2011.”

Artist Julie McDaid said: “ It’s great to be back and to have the renewed opportunity to contribute to Southport’s cultural development. We have always been the home of the town’s independent fine art practice and we’re excited to see how things will develop.”

Artist Joan Walmsley said “The project’s activities made me produce work and helped me develop as an artist. I was working in complete isolation and found that becoming part of the Waterfront ‘family’ an extremely enriching experience.”

Volunteer Chris Oliver said : “ I think the project is important for local creative people and for the town as a whole.

“Many of the visitors to the project have been from outside of Southport so we are contributing to the town’s tourism.”